the u.s. ♪ most of america's energy comes from right here at home. take the energy quiz. energy lives here. >>> now for some quick headlineheadline headlines. $334 million could buy a nice christmas present. a holiday parade ends with a bang when a float bursts into flames. it happened when the float's generator caught fire. firefighters nearby also part of the parade and rushed in to put out the blaze. >> well, chris matthews plays hardball with his guests but when it comes to barack obama he played at the pee-wee level. >> 36 states right now led by republican legislators have been trying to make it difficult for minority people to vote especially in big cities and older people. everybody knows the game. republicans often admit the game to deny people the vote. how can -- what's your reaction? >> was this interview hard hitting or more soft pitching. here to join in is howard kertz. nothing like asking a question where you give the president the answers. >> i expected chris matthews to deliver a sympathetic friendly interview with president obama. i wouldn't even say he